by Leslie R. Murphy, EA | Jun 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick AnswerStudent loan forgiveness may count as taxable income in 2026 if the forgiven balance does not qualify for a separate federal exclusion. Long-term income-driven repayment forgiveness is the main area where borrowers may face a tax bill. Public Service...
by Leslie R. Murphy, EA | Jun 9, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: Under the SECURE 2.0 beneficiary IRA tax rules, most non-spouse heirs must fully liquidate an inherited IRA within 10 years, with many also facing mandatory annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) if you pass away after age 73. Because...
by Leslie R. Murphy, EA | Jun 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) must be claimed by whoever legally lists the student as a dependent on their federal tax return. If a parent claims the undergraduate, the parent gets the credit; if the student is independent, they...
by Leslie R. Murphy, EA | May 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick AnswerIf you pay quarterly estimated taxes late, the IRS may charge an underpayment penalty based on the amount you should have paid, when it was due, and how long it stayed unpaid. Paying late is still usually better than waiting until you file, but it...
by Leslie R. Murphy, EA | May 27, 2026 | Uncategorized
Key TakeawaysMost married couples lower their tax liability by choosing the Married Filing Jointly status, which preserves access to deductions that separate filers lose. When there is a significant income gap between partners, combining earnings on a joint...
